What in the box? Power adapter (110/220V), compact keyboard, bunch of cables, extra stilus and handling strap.

What else this machine has? Microcard reader, three mini-usb sockets, one regular USB and camera. Looks like pretty fine machine, but not for €1K+ price tag. But who cares when we buy real good gadget? However, my euphoria disappears during 6 minutes startup (this was not first startup – first took more, then 15 minutes).

It was preinstalled with Windows Vista SP1 Ultimate (for this tiny machine) aside with huge amount of Asus junkware, so it was was even unable even to calculate Vista experience score

Also it has no drivers for strange device, named “Mini Card” (with factory branded Asus OS installation)

Well, it’s probably because I’m still not connected to internet… Let’s connect office WiFi… Err… It has some troubles with wireless network discovery – 2 bars for 12 feet distance from access point (my W500 has all 5) and no other networks (with 4 and less bars on another machine). Let’s connect it. Hm, “unable to connect”… Weird. Leave it by now. This is multimedia device, so, probably, video will play better? Well, it failed also with playback of Windows sample movie. So maybe it has great battery life? Not really. Without doing anything new 2 cells, 2600mAh battery enough for less, then two hours (with vista battery saver it extended to 3, while this device does not support aero interface).

But the final accord was this one (one again – this is branded Asus installation):

Bottom line: 0/5. I paid $360 for my wife’s pink Acer Aspire One and got much better computer (it even has camera).

The only thing remains enigma for me is why, the hell, this piece of crap costs more, then €1,000?

Have a nice day and be good people – do not buy this machine!

]]> http://khason.net/blog/asus-r50a-umpc-review/feed/ 8 http://khason.net/blog/consultants-for-charity/ http://khason.net/blog/consultants-for-charity/#comments Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:50:38 +0000 Tamir http://khason.net/blog/consultants-for-charity/ ]]> As you, probably, know, I left consulting field. However, it does not mean, that I quit helping developers community with client application development. Also, every day I’m getting between 50 and 300 emails with questions (I’m trying to answer all of those) and sometimes proposals for consulting. Currently I’m refusing all those, because I do not want to engage to it. However, there are too much people, who really need professional developers help and there are very few good development consultants in our area. Thus I decided to keep consulting, but this time only for charity.

© ColorBlind photographers

How does it work?

1. You want me to help you with your development.
2. I have free time for it.
3. We decide together about the fee.
4. You get consulting and you are happy with it.
5. I tell you what charity organization to transfer all amount, you should pay (except TBL, if there are).
6. You transfer it.
7. We made the world a bit better!

To clarify things:

1. It’s not charity foundation – you will transfer the money directly to organization, that need it
2. I’m not doing it for free – I feel, that finally I’m able to do something really big for those, who need it

So, if you are one of those, who want me to consult, contact me via this form or Twitter.

If you’re good consultant and want to join me, contact me via this form or Twitter and we’ll make the world better together.

I still had no chance to speak with my ex-engagement manager, however I believe, that he will not have a problem with this kind of payment to me. If so (and you have open PO in Microsoft Israel with him), you’ll be able to use it.

Spear the world with this news! Post in your blogs, twitters, facebook, any other community stuff or just join me

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